FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Mexico v South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦 | OneFootball

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Mexico v South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦 | OneFootball

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·11 June 2026

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Mexico v South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Mexico v South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦

After four years, the wait is finally over.

World Cup 2026™ is officially here with the tournament starting in spectacular fashion.


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Here's everything you need to look out for as Mexico and South Africa kick off the tournament.


Who is playing today? 👀

Co-hosts Mexico get things underway with a game against South Africa.

This is a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with that game 16 years ago ending in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Can the hosts, who boast players like Raul Jimenez and Alexis Vega, get their tournament off to the perfect start?


Players to watch 🔥

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Mexico v South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦

Gilberto Mora isn't just one to watch in today's game but a player to look out for across the entire tournament.

The 17-year-old Mexican midfielder combines world class game intelligence with sensational close control and an eye for a pass.

We could see the emergence of a new global superstar here.

One player to watch for South Africa is Lyle Foster.

Despite being only in his mid-20s, Foster already has substantial international pedigree and with Premier League experience to his name as well, can cause plenty of problems to this Mexican backline.

He isn't their only goal threat though, with Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Morena Jayden Adams all getting goals in qualifying.


Must-watch video 🎥

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Fun facts 📊

  • This will be only the fifth time Mexico have faced South Africa
  • Mexico have never beaten South Africa in a competitive match
  • This game will be played at Estadio Azteca and as such will be the first stadium to play host to games in three different World Cups (1970, 1986 and 2026)

Our prediction 🔮

  1. Mexico 2-0 South Africa
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